Summary

The abort statement is similar to the exit statement--when it is executed it causes the installation to end. However, there are two important differences between the abort and exit keywords:

Synopsis

This article discusses the differences between the abort and exit statements.

• InstallScript
• InstallScript MSI

Discussion

The abort statement is similar to the exit statement--when it is executed it causes the installation to end. However, there are two important differences between the abort and exit keywords:

• When the script reaches the abort statement, the uninstaller runs in silent mode to remove any installed or partially installed components that have been logged for uninstallation. When the script reaches the exit statement, InstallShield assumes it to be a normal exit, and nothing gets removed.
• If you are using InstallShield's .mif file generation option and the abort keyword is encountered, InstallShield writes a failure result to the .mif file. If the exit statement is encountered, InstallShield may incorrectly write a successful result to the .mif file.

When you wish to signal abnormal installation termination due to an irrecoverable error, use the abort statement. The exit statement should be used once at the end of the script to signify a successful installation. Also, when writing a custom exit handler, make sure that it exits with the abort statement.

Additional Information

Additional information on the abort and exit statements can be found in the InstallShield Help topics abort and exit.